Combination lock



935. A. A. J. CARLSON 2,011,268

COMBINATION LOCK Filed Nov. 15; 1933 2 Sheets-Sheet l I: m o *22 2 a A J 1' 39 (J G- 6 Lg E 28 v 2e INvENTo (ATTOPNEYS Patented Aug- 13, 1935 r {PATENT OFFICE COMBINATION Loon Axel Alban J. Carlson, Chicago, Ill. Application November 15,1933, Serial. No. 698,057,

14 Claims;

The invention pertains to a combination :lock especially adapted for use in the prevention of theft of motor vehicles.

The primary object of the invention is to provide a lock of the character indicated embodying an operating element for a switch or other essential control element, and a seriesof individually operable elements arranged to present a single smooth fiat face for coaction with a part on the operatinggelement and adapted only when arranged in a predetermined relation to permit movement of said part and thereby release the operating element for the performance of its intended function.

, A further object is to provide a lock having an operating element capable of controlling efiectually one or more of the, standard control devices employed in motor vehicles and-susceptible of manufacture on an economical basis.

Still another object is to provide a combination lock having a plurality of permutation elements with individual dials or like indicating devices capable of being set at will in different relative positions for the, purpose of changing the numbercombination to be employed.

The objects of the'invention thus generally stated together with other and ancillary advantages are obtained by the construction and arrangement illustrated drawings forming part hereof, in which:--

in the accompanying Figure 1 is a front elevational view of a combination lock having an operating element controlling the ignition circuit of a motor vehicle.

Fig. 2 is a vertical sectional view taken from the plane of line 22 of Fig. l, and showing the operating element in itsfllockedi position.

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary viewsimilar to Fig. 2,

but showing the operating element in its unlocked position.

Fig. 4 is a transverse sectional view taken approximately in the line of 4-4 of Fig. 3.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing the steering column of an automobile. with my improved lock mounted thereon.

.Fig. 6 is a fragmentary horizontal sectional View through a steering column with my improved lock mounted thereon andshowing a locking bolt for the steering post or. shaft con trolled by theoperating element. I

Fig. 7 is. a sectional view takenapproximately inthe plane of line 'i---'! of Fig. 6.

Fig. 8 is a view similar to Fig. '7, but illustrating the relation of the operating element to thebolt while withdrawing th position.

e latter into an unlocked I Fig. 9 is a fragmentary sectional view similar to Fig. 8, but showing the operating element held against movement with the bolt in its unlocked position,

. Fig. 10 is a fragmentary detail view taken ap- 5 proximately in the plane of line llll0 of Fig. 7.

Referring first to Figs. 1 to 5, I have shown an operating elementin the form of a pin l l mounted. centrally of a casing l2 substantially triangular in form, and a series of permutation elements l3, l3 and 13 in the form of sleeves arranged concentrically upon the operating element or pin H. The casing 12 may be made of a main cup-shaped section and a separate rear closure plate l2 suitably secured in position in the main section.

The'sleeves l3, l3 and l3 terminate in a single plane perpendicular to the axis of the operating element, being suitably ground to present asmooth transverse bearing face M for engagement with a part fixed on the pin. Herein said part is in the form of a lug l5 formed integrally with a collar l6 fast on the pin ll. Preferably, the pin is yieldably urged by means of a. springcoiled expansion spring IT to hold the lug 15 against the bearing face l4; and to permit of the operation of the pin II in performance of its intended controlling function, the sleeves l3, l3 and I?) are provided with notches [8, which, when alined. with each other, are adapted to receive the lug l5. Thus, when the permutation elements occupy a predetermined relation, the notches I8 constitute in effect a slot or recess formed in the bearing face l4 adapted to receive the lug l5 and thereby permit of axial movement of the pin I l. The latter has its forward end projecting through the front wall of the casing 12, and for convenience in operating the same, is provided with a knob or button I9. 7

The means for individually operating the permutation elements 13, I3 and l3 comprises in the present instance, three shafts 2|], 2| and 22 disposed in spaced relation about the central pin l l with one shaft in each of the corners of the triangular casing as shown in Fig. 1. These shafts are respectively connected to one of the permutation elements, and to this end each is provided with a spur gear meshing with a spur gear rigid with one of the permutation elements. As shown, the shaft has rigid therewith a spur gear 23 meshing with a gear 24 on the permutation element [3; the shaft 2| has a gear 25 meshing with a gear 26 on the permutation element I3 and the shaft 22 has a gear 21 meshing with a gear 28 rigid with the permutation element iS Each of these shafts has a bearing at its inner end in a plate 29 fixed within the casing i 2 adjacent the rear wall l2 thereof; and the shafts similarly have bearings in the front wall of the casing through which wall the shafts project. Operating knobs 3!], 3i and 32 are provided on such forwardly projecting ends of the shafts 22, El and 28 respectively, to permit of convenient operation of the several permutation elements. The inner end of the center pin it also has a bearing in the plate 29.

It will be seen that by the construction thus provided, movement of the permutation elements into a predetermined relation such that the notches iii in the bearing face M. are brought into alinement opposite the lug l5 will permit .movement of the operating element or pin H axially of the casing; and that such movement of the pin 5 i may be utilized in the performance of the intended controlling function, which in the present instance, is the operation of a switch interposed in the ignition circuit. 7

As shown in Fig. 2, the switch to be. controlled comprises a pair of stationary contacts 33 mounted upon a bracket 34 securedon one edge wall of the casing and a movable contact 35 carried by an arm 3% which is rigid with the collar it.

be stationary contacts 33 are interposed in the ignition circuit and the contact 35 is of a length such as to be adapted to bridge said contacts 33 so as to close this circuit. As shown, the ignition wires 35 may be led into the casing I2 through a suitable protecting tube 3'! which is preferably made of material which is incapable of being out readily.

To'facilitate the setting of the permutation elements in a desired predetermined combination, each of the operating shafts may be equipped with an indicating, device such as a dial 33 adapted for coaction with a suitable point on the face of the casing. This dial 38 is clamped in position upon its shaft by means of its operating knob which may be screw threaded on the shaft and held in position by means of a set screw 39' (Fig. 2). The dial 3% thus clamped is held against rotation relative to the shaft, and this is preferably accomplished by cutting the peripheral edge of the central opening of the disk so as to form a series of teeth 3% (Fig. 10) adapted to coast with similarly cut teeth in theshaft. By this construction, the operator of a given motor vehicle may readily change the combination to b s employed in operating the look. In effecting this result, the operator will set the permutation elements according to the previous combination so as to permit movement of the lug E5 on the operating element into the alined notches $8 in the permutation elements, and while the parts are in this relation, remove one or more of the operating knobs 36, M and 32' and change'the positions of the dials relative to the shafts. 'The number combination to be employed in the subse-' though it will be understood that the-control of either function may be deemed sufficient. In

this instance, the lock is adapted to be mounted on the steering columnas before, with the center pin it parallel with the column. As shown, the casing i2 is for this purpose inserted into a rigid housing ii having an arm 39 for coaction with a clamping plate 3% bolted to the head with the column interposed therebetween. To look the column, a bolt 53 is provided, movable in a direction radially of the column through one wall of the casing l2 and its housing, and through an aperture it in the column and into a hole 42 in the .steering post provided of course, said hole 52 is in position to receive the bolt ill.

To operate the bolt, the center pin H is provided with a pinion 45 which, in an axial movement of the pin, as permitted by the proper setting of the permutation elements, is adapted to move into mesh with a rack 55 formed integral with one end of the bolt as. A coiled expansion spring 46 interposed between the rack ii-i and a stationary block in the casing normally urges the bolt in the direction of the steering post.

To Withdraw the bolt, the ermutation elements must first be set in their proper relation, in accordance with the predetermined combination, whereupon the pin ii will be permitted to move to carry its pinion i t into mesh with the rack 45. Subsequent rotation of the pin by the operator will eiiect the withdrawal of the bolt from its locking engagement with the steering column to free the latter for operation. To hold the bolt withdrawn against the action of the spring 46, an additional axial movement of the pin H is permitted by the operator to carry the pinion 44 into engagement with a stationary rack '38, it being understood that in the operation of withdrawing the bolt, the operator will restrain the center pin and hence the pinion as from moving into engagement with the holding rack 48.

Where, in addition to the locking of the steering mechanism the ignition switch is to be controlled, the parts are so proportioned that the switch contact 35 is moved into bridging relation with the contacts 353 only in the final portion of the movement of the pin 5 i in which the pinion 44 engages with the holding rack 38. Thus, as shown in Fig. 8, when the pinion M engages with the rack 55 but not with the rack 68, the switch 33, 35 is in open position; but when the pinion id meshes with the holding rack 58, said switch is closed as shown in Fig. 9. It will be also understood that in View of the rotary movement imparted to the pin it in withdrawing the bolt, the arm 36 carrying the movable switch contact 35 must be so positioned with respect to the pin as to be disposed opposite the stationary switch contacts 33 when the locking bolt has been completely Withdrawn.

It will be observed that the construction employed provides a single bearing face for engagement by a part on the operating element, such that it is impossible to detect, by the rotation of the permutation elements, the positions of the notches its; and because of the large number of possible combinations which may be employed through the use of a plurality of individually operable permutation elements, unauthorized operation of the lock is effectually prevented. At the same time, the construction employed is ex ceedingly simple, so that the cost of manufacture is small. Also, the possibility of changing the positions of the dials enables each operator to employ a wholly secret number combination.

I claim as my invention:

1. A look of the character set forth having, in combination, a plurality of permutation elements comprising a plurality of sleeves arranged in concentric relation and having edges at one end cooperating to provide a fiat bearing surface with notches in said end edges adapted to be moved in the rotation of said elements into and out of a registering relation, an operating element movable axially' ofsaid permutation elements and having a part thereon adapted to enter; said notches in their registering relation; said'permutation elements having spur gears at theend opposite said-bearing surface, one rigid with" each of saidsleeves, and a plurality of shafts each having agear thereon an'd respectively meshing with one of the gears on said sleeves; M i

-2. A look of the character set forth comprising, in combination; with the steering column of a motor vehicle and a steering element therein, a casing mounted on said column, an operating element mountedfor axial sliding movement in said casing parallel withsaid column, a plurality of permutation elements mounted in said casing, means in said casing operable from the exterior thereof to position said permutation elements in differentrelative positions, said permutationelements providing a bearingsurfa'ce having in one relation of the elements a plurality "of alined notches, a part on said operating element adapted to enter said alined notches, and a locking bolt in said casing mounted for :movement'radially of said column into and out of locking relation to said steering element, said bolt being'operatively connected withsaid operating element when said part is disposed-in said notches. it

3. A look of the character set forth'comprising, in combinatiiin, an axially slidable bolt having a rack bar rigid therewith, an axially slidable and rotatable operating element having a pinion thereon movable in the axial movement of the operating element into and out of engagement with said rack bar, and a series of permutation elements for governing the axial movement of said operating element. l

4. A look of the character set forth comprising, in combination, an axially slidable bolt having a rack bar rigid therewith, an axially slidable and rotatable operating element having a pinion thereon movable in the axial movement of the operating element into and out of engagement with said rack bar, a series of permutation elements for governing the axial movement of said operating element, and means for holding the bolt in its retracted position including a stationary rack parallel with said rack bar, said operating element being adapted to be moved to carry said pinion into engagement with said stationary rack while engaging said rack bar.

5. A look of the character set forth comprising, in combination, an axially slidable bolt having a rack bar rigid therewith, an axially slidable and rotatable operating element having a pinion thereon movable in the axial movement of the operatin element into and out of engagement with said rack bar, a series of permutation elements for governing the axial movement of said operating element, means for holding the bolt in its retracted position including a stationary rack parallel with said rack bar, said operating element being adapted to be moved to carry said pinion into engagement with said stationary rack while engaging said rack bar, a control switch and a part on said operating element operative as an incident to its movement into engagement with said stationary rack to close said switch.

6. A lock of the character set forth comprising, in combination with a locking bolt and a control switch, an operating element mounted for axial and rotational movement, a series of permutation elements governing the axial movement of said operating element, means operative as an incident to a limited axial movement of said operating element to establish an operative connection betweenit and said bolt to permit withdrawalof the same, m'eans operative as an incident to an additional movement imparted to said operating element to operate said switch; and means operative as an incident to such additional axial movement of the operating element to hold the bolt in its retracted position.

Alock of the 'character'set forth comprising-pin combination with a locking bolt and a control switch, an operating element mounted foriaxial and rotationalmovement, a series of p'ermutation elements governing the axial move- .mentof said operatingelements, means operative as an incidentto a limited axial movement of said operating element to establish an operative connection between it and said bolt to permit withdrawal oftl'ie same, and means. operative as an incident to an additional movement imparted to saidoperating element to operate said switch While the bolt is-in its retracted position.

8. A lock'of the character set forth comprising; in combination 'witha locking bolt, a-plurality of permutation"elements, and an operating member movable in a predetermined rela' upon the other, the end faces of said cylindrical portions together forming a single bearing surface, each of said cylindrical portions having a notch in its end face which upon alinement with the other notches forms a' recess, a lug mounted for rotation on the axis of said cylindrical portions and normally restrained from longitudinal movement by said single bearing surface but permitted to move longitudinally when opposite the recess formed by the alinement of said notches, said lug being operatively associated with said locking bolt when said lug is in said recess whereby the locking bolt may be moved only when said lug and said recess are longitudinally alined.

10. A lock of the character set forth comprising, in combination, a casing, a member mounted in said casing for movement in the operation of the look, a plurality of concentric rotatable sleeves mounted in said casing, means associated with said sleeves at the side thereof for individually adjusting said sleeves, fixed means forming an abutment for said sleeves at one end thereof, the end faces at the other end of said sleeves together forming a single bearing surface shaped in a predetermined relation of said sleeves to provide a recess, a part on said member normally abutting against said bearing surface but adapted to enter said recess to permit movement of said member, and means for holding said part in abutment with said bearing surface.

11. A lock of the character set forth comprising, in combination, a casing, a member slidably supported by the wall of said casing and movable in the operation of the lock, a plurality of concentric sleeves mounted for rotation on said member, said sleeves having radially extending portions at one end for individual adjustment of the sleeves positioned in abutment with one another and with the wall of said casing, the end faces at the other end of said sleeves together forming a single bearing surface shaped in a predetermined relation of said sleeves, to provide a recess, a lug normally abutting against said bearing surface but adapted to enter said recess to permit movement of said member, and means for holding said lug in abutmentwith said bear? ing surface. 7

12. A look of the character set forth compris ing, in combination, a casing, a member slidably supported by said casing and movable in the op: eration of the lock, a plurality of concentric rotatable sleeves mounted in said casing in abutment at one end with one wall of the casing, means for individually adjusting said sleeves and operatively connected tosaid vsleeves at the side thereof, theend faces of the sleeves at the other end thereof forming a single bearing surface shaped in a predetermined relation of the sleeves to provide a recess, a collar rigid with said member and having aglug normally bearing-against said surface to prevent movement of said member but adapted to enter-said recess to permit movement of said member, and a spring bearing at one end against the opposite wall of the casing and at its other end against said collar to hold said lug in engagement with said surface.

13. A1001: of the character set forthcomprising, in combination, a control switch comprising a fixed contact and'a movable contact, spring means ten-ding to hold said contacts in engage ment, a lug movable with said movable contact, and a permutation device controlling movement of said lug comprising a plurality of concentric rotatable sleeves, the end faces of said sleeves together forming a single bearing surface shaped in a predetermined relation of said sleeves to provide a recess for said lug to permit movement thereof, said spring means holding said lug in engagement with said bearing surface when said sleeves are in other than said predetermined relation. Y

.14, A lock of the character setforth comprising, in combination, a longitudinally movable I spindle, a plurality of concentric sleeves rotatably mounted on said spindle, each sleeve having a notch in one end face adapted in a predetermined relation of said sleeves, to be alined to provide a recess, said end faces together forming a single bearing surface, a lug rigid with said spindle and positioned to engage said bearing surface and to enter said recess when formed, a control switch comprising a fixed contact and a movable contact adapted to engage when said lug enters said recess, and a spring tending to move said spindle longitudinally to hold the contacts in engagement when the lug enters said recess but normally holding the lug in engagement with said bearing surface.

- AXEL ALBAN J. CARLSON. 

